10 Pro Wrestlers Who Could Have Been Stars In The UFC

6. Taynara Conti

Taynara Conti
WWE

Taynara Conti's recent release and return would seem to indicate she may not be in great standing with WWE management. While she appears to have some upside, Conti has had trouble making headway in a stacked NXT women's division. Fortunately, the 26-year-old has a very viable fall back plan if the whole pro wrestling thing doesn't work out.

The scrappy Brazilian is a phenomenal jiu-jitsu practitioner who participated in the Olympic trials back in 2016. Not to mention, at 126 pounds she could enter the UFC Women's Flyweight division, which isn't exactly stacked at the moment. In truth, based on pedigree, she would be one of the division's best grapplers if she signed with the UFC tomorrow.

Furthermore, the fact that she's an attractive woman means there's a fairly high floor in terms of marketability and fan interest ⁠— as we've seen with fighters like Paige VanZant and Felice Herrig.

Best of all, unlike most of the other members of our list, she's still young enough that a move to the UFC (or MMA in general) is a realistic option.

Contributor
Contributor

From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.